Modern paints are engineered to adhere tightly to surfaces, resist moisture and chemicals, and stand up to extreme temperatures. That’s a lot of value in a gallon of paint. These properties also create hassles when you want to remove old paint. We’ve assembled our top five methods for removing old paint. While some methods may be easier than other ones, they all require a little elbow grease.
Sanding and Scraping
A fairly low-tech approach is to perform hand sanding and/or scraping. You can make it a little easier by using a power sander, but you have to careful not to remove too much substrate in the process. These mechanical methods remove paint by physically breaking the chemical bonds between the paint and substrate. Scraping might be better suited for curved surfaces, and some scrapers have special profiles for common shapes. Sandpaper works better on flat surfaces. You can use wet/dry sandpaper with water or solvent to keep the dust down. Wear a filter mask when you use a power sander.
Pressure Washing
If you want to remove paint from exterior wood surfaces, a pressure washer can work quickly without creating dust. Like other mechanical methods, the pressurized water physically disrupts the paint’s adhesion. Furthermore, the water can help re-dissolve some components of water-based paints, reducing the required pressure needed to remove the paint. Use the manufacturer’s recommendations for psi and nozzle profile — too much pressure can damage the wood. Prepare for substantial runoff to ensure you don’t flood your spouse’s prized rose bed.
Power Washing
Akin to pressure washing on steroids, power washing is available for removing paint from metal surfaces. Power washing machines accept detergents to augment the pressurized water, which may be heated to help the detergent penetrate deep into the paint layers and soften the old paint. Detergents reduce surface tension, which helps to break the paint’s adhesion, whether water- or oil-based.
Heat Tools
Tools such as hot air guns and electric elements can help melt or soften paint prior to scraping, often with nothing sharper than a putty knife. We don’t recommend you use open flame tools because of the potential fire hazard. Furthermore, even non-flame tools can start a fire or cause scorching if used improperly, so make sure you follow the instructions accompanying the tool.
Chemical Strippers
These include caustic pastes and semi-paste solvents:
- Caustics usually contain lye and work by breaking down organic molecules in the paint responsible for its adhesion properties. If left on wood for too long, it can decompose cellulose fibers, causing darkening or raising grain. You have to neutralize caustics with a mild acid wash. Caustics work well on concrete, masonry and ironwork, but should not be used on aluminum because of unwanted chemical reactions. Safety precautions are required, including eye and skin protection.
- Solvents come in several varieties and are quite versatile. Methyl chloride (MC) solvents have small molecules that penetrate deep into paint layers. As the solvent begins to evaporate, it causes the paint layers to wrinkle and loosen. MC creates unhealthy vapors and requires careful application. N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) is a larger molecule, making it somewhat safer, but also slower. Like MC, NMP breaks the chemical bonds between the paint and substrate, but is ineffective on baked-on or polyester coatings. Newer solvents, containing non-toxic chemicals such as soy esters and citrus compounds, are safer to use and can be quite effective. Special strippers can be used on lead paint to make the lead insoluble, reducing hazardous leaching.
PennCoat, Inc. has been providing industrial painting, commercial painting, epoxy flooring, and polished concrete services for nearly 30 years. Our experienced installers are trained and equipped with the proper knowledge and tools to ensure that every installation is installed efficiently and safely. PennCoat, Inc. provides service to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware. And we cover York, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery, Baltimore, Harrisburg, Dauphin, Bucks, Berks, and other counties in the surrounding area.
FAQs
Solvent and caustic strippers can work in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. They can remove as many as 15 layers of paint. They may be the best paint strippers to use on items that have been painted multiple times over the years. Biochemical and non-toxic strippers are not as harsh.
What is the most effective way to remove paint? ›
Solvent and caustic strippers can work in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. They can remove as many as 15 layers of paint. They may be the best paint strippers to use on items that have been painted multiple times over the years. Biochemical and non-toxic strippers are not as harsh.
What is the most suitable method for removing the paint film? ›
Removing paint protection film begins with applying heat. The heat helps to loosen the adhesive holding the film onto the car's surface, making it easier to peel off. A hairdryer or heat gun can be used for this purpose. However, be sure not to overheat the area as it could damage the car paint.
How do professionals remove paint? ›
The other method uses chemical strippers to break down the paint layers instead of the paint's bond to the surface. Professionals can choose from multiple stripping agents, depending on: The type of material they're working with. The type of paint they're removing.
Which is the most common method of aircraft paint removal? ›
A common paint stripping method used by aviation maintenance professionals for the external skin of an aircraft is spraying abrasive particles through a pressurized nozzle.
Can WD-40 remove paint? ›
Spray the paint residue with WD-40 and allow the WD-40 to stay on the area for 1-2 hours and rewash the vehicle. The WD-40 will soften the traffic paint without hurting the vehicle finish. If there is a heavy concentration, repeat the procedure.
Will WD-40 remove paint from concrete? ›
There are a few other methods that have been tried, though they are less effective and not always successful. For instance, some people have attempted to use WD-40 or a similar product to try and remove the paint, but this method is less reliable and takes much longer than using a specially formulated chemical remover.
What is the easiest way to remove paint fast? ›
5 Proven Methods to Removing Paint
- Sanding and Scraping. A fairly low-tech approach is to perform hand sanding and/or scraping. ...
- Pressure Washing. If you want to remove paint from exterior wood surfaces, a pressure washer can work quickly without creating dust. ...
- Power Washing. ...
- Heat Tools. ...
- Chemical Strippers.
Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) offers a unique combination of low toxicity and high solvent strength, making it an ideal solvent for stripping paint from a variety of surfaces. DMSO is the best alternative to solvents rated hazardous such as methylene chloride and NMP (N-methyl pyrrolidone).
What are the 2 different types of paint removal? ›
There are two basic distinctions between paint strippers – these are solvent-based and caustic-based paint removers.
Finding a Safe Paint Stripper
There are three main types of paint stripper: solvent-based, caustic-based and manual. Solvent-based paint strippers work by breaking the chemical bond between the paint and the surface it was applied to. Caustic-based strippers break down the paint itself.
What chemicals dissolve paint? ›
Acetone, toluene, and methanol are chemicals that are commonly used together in paint strippers, and they evaporate quickly and are very flammable.
How do you remove old paint before repainting? ›
There are many reasons to remove old paint before repainting. One of the most important reasons is that not removing the old paint risks the success of your new paint application. As the foundation of your canvas, old paint sets the base of your fresh coats, affecting different aspects of your new paint job.
Which method is applied first for removing old paint? ›
Sanding and Scraping
If you're removing the paint by hand, you'll need to wash the wall with soap and water first. Then, you can apply a sanding block, electric sander, or wire brush to the wall to weaken the paint. Once you've weakened the paint, apply a scraper to remove the flaked or bubbling sections.
What spirit is used to remove paint? ›
White Spirit is a petroleum distillate used as a paint thinner and mild solvent. White spirit is an inexpensive petroleum-based replacement for the vegetable-based turpentine. It is commonly used as a paint thinner for oil-based paint and cleaning brushes, and as an organic solvent in other applications.
What thinner is used to remove paint? ›
Common solvents historically used as paint thinners include:
- Mineral spirits (North America) / White spirit (United Kingdom and Ireland)
- Acetone.
- Turpentine.
- Naphtha.
- Toluene.
- Lacquer thinner.
- Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
- Dimethylformamide (DMF)
Yes, it will. In fact, you can substitute vinegar for baking soda and achieve similar results. Best Used For: Small items like door hinges, tools that accidentally got paint on them, etc.
What is a good chemical to remove paint? ›
All over the globe, Ammonia and Acetone are the two widely used chemicals to remove paint from the metal surface. When ammonia reacts with the metal, it stabilizes acrylic emulsions by raising the PH level.
How do you make strong paint remover? ›
'To make your own paint remover, simply take a dish or vessel and pour in one part ammonia, one part borax (both naturally occurring elements) and one part washing soda,' Michael says. 'Also add a small amount of water. Two tablespoons is perfect for one cup of each ingredient, so scale up/down from there. '
